A 17-year-old girl has been punched and kicked by a gang of boys and girls in a vicious attack.

The teenager, from Billingshurst, was walking in Beach Road, Shoreham, at about 5.30pm on Saturday when she was pushed to the ground from behind by a gang of teenagers and then repeatedly punched and kicked while she was on the pavement.

She was helped by two friends who took her to paramedics who were on duty at the Beach Dreams event at Shoreham Beach.

The next day the victim went to hospital where it was confirmed that she had a fractured cheekbone and bruising to her ribs, legs and arms.

Detective Sergeant Colin O'Hare said: "The attack appears to follow an incident a few minutes earlier during which the victim had argued with a group of boys and girls.

"She was walking away from the group when she was assaulted.

"This was a cowardly attack by a group of teenagers on one girl, first attacking her from behind and then ganging up to kick and punch her while she was on the ground.

"We need to speak to anyone who saw the attack happened or who may have any information who was involved. This happened at a popular community event so I am sure that residents will have seen what took place."

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 565 of June 22, call 101 or contact the indpendent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.